Home to some of the United States’ most iconic tourist attractions like Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley vineyards, Disneyland, and Hollywood, California is a treasure trove of endless adventures. Not only that, this state also has some of the world’s most prestigious universities, from Stanford to Caltech.
With so many top colleges, deciding which one to attend for the start (or end) of your college journey can be difficult, as choosing the right university can shape your entire future. So, what are the best universities in California? We have compiled a list of the top 10 universities in this state. This list includes important information about each school and is intended to assist you in selecting the right university for your college degree.
Key Takeaways
- California is home to world-class universities, including Stanford and Caltech, offering both academic prestige and diverse learning environments.
- Ranking criteria for this list include retention rates, graduation rates, academic quality, and campus resources, with data drawn from U.S. News & World Report, NCES, and official school sites.
- Top-ranked schools such as Stanford, Caltech, and UC Berkeley consistently appear among the best universities nationally.
- Graduation rates vary significantly, ranging from 56% to 86%, reflecting differences in program structures and student demographics.
- California universities also offer flexible formats, with many schools providing online or hybrid learning options—important for students balancing education with work or other responsibilities.
How We Defined California University Rankings
Our California university rankings are based on retention, graduation rates, academic quality, and campus resources. To ensure transparency, this list draws from publicly available data sources, including U.S. News & World Report, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and official school websites. Readers should note that superlatives like “best” and “top” are based on these defined criteria, not subjective opinion.
California Universities Ranked: Top 10 Universities in California
- Stanford University
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- Claremont McKenna College
- Santa Clara University
The Best Colleges and Universities in California, Explained
Most universities in California now provide flexible online or hybrid learning formats, especially at the undergraduate and graduate levels. When comparing programs, students should always verify accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education database to ensure eligibility for financial aid and professional licensure.
Note: the following information has been verified as of October 2025.
1. Stanford University
- U.S. News National Ranking: #41
- Campus Location: Stanford
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,904 (Fall 2024)
- Graduation Rate: 56%
Stanford University is one of the most prestigious universities in California and is one of the most highly recognized higher institutions in the world. It was founded in 1885 and has 94 billionaires in its alumni network and 58 Nobel laureates among its faculty.2 This dreamy school offers 66 undergrad majors to its student body with a student-to-faculty ratio of six to one.3
2. California Institute of Technology
- US News National Ranking: #114
- Campus Location: Pasadena
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 987 (Fall 2024)
- Graduation Rate: 77%
California Institute of Technology, popularly known as Caltech, is a private research university in Pasadena, California. Founded in 1891, Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that offers 28 undergraduate degree options and 31 graduate degree options.5,6 With a student-to-faculty ratio of three to one, Caltech is the alma mater of many Nobel Prize winners.
3. University of California, Berkeley
- U.S. News National Ranking: #157
- Campus Location: Berkeley
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 33,469 (Fall 2024)
- Graduation Rate: 80%
The University of California, Berkeley is a public university established in 1868. It is California’s first land-grant university and the first campus in the University of California System. The school has 130 academic departments, over 300 degree programs—challenging its students with boundless opportunities.8 This institution is one of the most recognized institutions in the world.
4. University of California, Los Angeles
- U.S. News National Ranking: #179
- Campus Location: Los Angeles
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 33,471 (Fall 2024)
- Graduation Rate: 85%
Popularly known as UCLA, this public land-grant research university was founded in 1919. It is one of the most reputable schools in California. The school offers over 130 undergraduate and more than 90 graduate degree programs in various fields of study.10 28 percent of UCLA undergraduate students receive Pell grants, which help make tuition more affordable.11
5. University of Southern California
- U.S. News National Ranking: #2812
- Campus Location: Los Angeles
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 20,630 (Fall 2024)
- Graduation Rate: 74%
University of Southern California, also known as USC, is a private research university founded in 1880. USC offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 23 schools and divisions.13 The school also offers graduate degree programs online. The distance education format reduces students’ time on campus and helps them avoid common college obstacles.
6. University of California, San Diego
- U.S. News National Ranking: #2914
- Campus Location: San Diego
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 34,955 (Fall 2024)
- Graduation Rate: 86%
The University of California, San Diego is a public research university in San Diego, California. The school has eight divisions and schools that offer a myriad of undergraduate majors and a 19-to-one student-to-faculty ratio. According to a campus update report for Spring 2025, the institution is the second most applied to university in the nation and prides itself on cutting-edge research and award-winning education experts.15
7. University of California, Davis
- U.S. News National Ranking: #3216
- Campus Location: Davis
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,273 (Fall 2024)
- Graduation Rate: 71%
The University of California, Davis is a public land-grant research university. It was established in 1905 and is one of the 10 campuses in the University of California System. It offers 120+ major programs, many of which are top-ranked, including the agriculture and forestry and veterinary medicine programs.17,18
8. University of California, Irvine
- U.S. News National Ranking: #3219
- Campus Location: Irvine
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 30,204 (Fall 2024)
- Graduation Rate: 74%
The University of California, Irvine is a public land-grant research university founded in 1965. UC Irvine, as it is commonly referred to, is another one of the top schools in America. It offers over 85 majors and 75 minors in various fields of study.20 One of UC Irvine’s points of pride is the three Nobel Prizes, one in physics and two in chemistry.21
9. University of California, Santa Barbara
- U.S. News National Ranking: #4022
- Campus Location: Santa Barbara
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 23,181 (Fall 2024)
- Graduation Rate: 70%
Founded in 1909, the University of California, Santa Barbara is a public research university located in the beautiful city of Santa Barbara. It is known for its research and scholarship opportunities. It offers over 200 program options ranging from certificate programs to graduate programs. It has six Nobel Prizes spanning chemistry, physics, and economics.23
10. Santa Clara University
- U.S. News National Ranking: #5924
- Campus Location(s): Santa Clara
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,577 (Fall 2024)
- Graduation Rate: 81%
Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit university founded in 1851. This institution blends high-tech with social consciousness and features over 50 programs, including programs for graduate students and special programs in law, medicine, and teaching.25
Is a University in California Right for You?
Attending a university in California provides access to strong academics and diverse communities. As of October 2025, California is rated #5 on the U.S. News & World Report’s list for higher education, making it a great choice for anyone looking to get a top-notch education.26 Take some time thinking about which university will best meet your goals and provide the right place for your education.
By choosing any of the top schools in the state, you are set to earn a quality education in terms of research, teaching, and academic environment. Attending a top university in California can have a significant positive impact on your future, helping you achieve your ambitions and contribute to a better tomorrow.
Best Universities in California FAQ
The number one university in California is Stanford University. This school stands as one of the top three schools in the world, according to U.S. News & World Report, which earns it its spot as the number one California university.27
California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo (SLO), more commonly known as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, is the best California state university, according to U.S. News & World Report.28 This public school is known for its academic excellence and emphasis on lifelong learning.
Yes, California has some of the best universities in the world. They offer supportive atmospheres for students to take dynamic classes, pursue their career goals, take on cutting-edge academic research projects, be a part of organizations on campus, and have vibrant social lives.
Academically, California is known for having some of the most prestigious universities in the world. The high-ranking schools offer competitive and rewarding academic programs to distinctive students.
Sources:
1 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/stanford-university-1305
2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_University
3 https://www.stanford.edu/academics/
4 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-institute-of-technology-1131
5 https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/why-caltech/academics/majors-minors
6 https://www.gradoffice.caltech.edu/academics/optionreps
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7 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-california-berkeley-1312
8 https://www.berkeley.edu/academics/
9 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/ucla-1315
10 https://www.ucla.edu/academics/programs-and-majors
11 https://www.ucla.edu/about/facts-and-figures
12 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-southern-california-1328
13 https://www.usc.edu/majors-minors/
14 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-california-san-diego-1317
15 https://univcomms.ucsd.edu/_files/about/2425-060-UCSanDiegoOneSheet-SpringUpdate-v2.pdf
16 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-california-davis-1313
17 https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate-education/
18 https://www.ucdavis.edu/about/rankings
19 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-california-irvine-1314
20 https://www.admissions.uci.edu/study/majors-minors.php?type=Major
21 https://www.admissions.uci.edu/discover/why-uci/facts-and-rankings.php
22 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-california-santa-barbara-1320
23 https://www.ucsb.edu/about/faculty-and-alumni
24 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/santa-clara-university-1326
25 https://www.scu.edu/academics/
26 https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education/higher-education
27 https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings
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